Tech Inspection - BBK Universal Fuel Rails

Ample clearance between aftermarket fuel rails and stock or aftermarket distributors has long-been one of the biggest gripes of fuel-injected 5.0 owners. In most cases, the problem is that the ends of the thicker-diameter fuel rails impede into the rotating area of the distributor cap, which limits an enthusiast's or tuner's ability to make timing adjustments by turning the distributor.

We've seen plenty of engines that work well with timing "by ear," but when you're trying to make the most of your engine, it's important that settings and adjustments (especially timing) be as close to spot-on as possible to ensure that your engine will run fine and there's no loss in performance, only gains.

BBK Performance of Temecula, California, has developed a Universal 5.0 Fuel Rail Kit (PN 5010; $179.99) that's designed primarily for stock fuel systems, which is a must when installing bigger fuel lines. A half-inch line is the standard upgrade in most cases, and the BBK rails take the pain and suffering out of trying to achieve perfect distributor/fuel-rail clearance.

The high-flow fuel rails, first seen on BBK's new SSI-Series intake manifold (PN 5001; $569.99), sparked tremendous response from the 5.0 faithful. With those rails being specific to SSI intakes, however, BBK's response was a cool set of universal high-flow fuel rails that drop right into stock Ford and other aftermarket intake manifolds. The CNC-machined, half-inch aluminum pieces are blue anodized, and kits include a complete battery of stainless fasteners, hose, and everything else necessary for making installation a hassle-free way to finish off the fuel system for a nitrous kit, turbocharger, or a blower on an '86-'93 Mustang. BBK tells us that using an '86-'93-style fuel regulator and shortening the supplied hose a bit allows enthusiasts to install its universal high-flow rails on 5.0-powered '94-'95 Mustangs as well.

We caught up with BBK's Bryan Rogers as he was in the midst of a 5.0 engine build that includes the company's all-new, universal high-flow fuel rails. The motor is equipped with an early Edelbrock Performer 5.0 intake manifold, but as you'll see in the following photos, the fuel rails look right at home.